Ruth Corn appointed Business Research Library Director for the Hawaiʻi SBDC Network

Ruth Corn has been re-appointed business research library director for the Hawaiʻi Small Business Development (SBDC) Network, announced Darryl Mleynek, state director, SBDC Network. In making the announcement, Mleynek said, "I'm very pleased Ruth Corn is back directing the Business Research Library after four years working for the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. As the founder of this unique facility, she adds immeasurable depth and experience to our research efforts. She's the ideal person to head up this important state resource for our small business clients." As Library Director for the Hawaiʻi SBDC Network's Business Research Library, Corn will direct and manage the delivery of small business research services on Maui and for the entire State of Hawaiʻi. The Business Research Library is located at the Maui Research and Technology Center in Kihei.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to provide small business owners and employees with the research information that is critical to the successful operation of their businesses," said Corn. She added, "The Business Research Library, through the auspices of the Hawaiʻi SBDC Network, provides customized research to individual small businesses using Internet-based resources and specialized commercial databases. We are the link for small and technology-based businesses needing access to remote academic, scientific and technical collections worldwide. "We also partner with the counties of Maui and Kauaʻi to produce their demographic and statistical data books," Corn added. "The books are available in digital format to provide businesses, government and non-profit agencies with key information for preparing business plans, environmental assessments, annual reports and many other applications."

Corn has lived in Hawaiʻi since 1992. She received her MA in library and information science from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in Illinois in 1985 then worked as the manager of the Research Center for the Bank Administration Institute in Chicago. After three years, Corn took the position of manager, information services at the Boston Consulting Group, Inc. in Los Angeles. In May 1992, Corn signed on as manager, information services, at the Maui Research and Technology Center and founded the Business Research Library in 1995. In 1997, she moved to Honolulu as supervisory librarian with the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

The Hawaiʻi SBDC Network is a partnership program between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and is funded by federal, state and private sector contributors. Its mission is to stimulate the economy and help individuals statewide by developing entrepreneurial skills among small businesses and the broader community through counseling, training, research, advocacy, and other resources and activities.

Corn can be contacted at the Business Research Library located at the Maui Research and Technology Center, 590 Lipoa Parkway, Suite 136 in Kihei. Maui residents can reach her at (808) 875-2400 while other State of Hawaiʻi residents can call 1-800-509-3100.